Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) [India], August 23 (ANI): Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Sunday invited investors to invest in the state's hotel industry, saying there were no restrictions on such investments, while highlighting the state's natural landscape and ongoing efforts to improve tourism connectivity.
CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu attended the 56th FHRAI Annual Convention 2026 to boost tourism growth in Himachal Pradesh in Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh on Sunday.
Speaking at the sidelines of the event, CM Sukhu said, "I am delighted that we were able to showcase the attributes of Himachal, a region adorned with the Shivalik, Mid-Himalayan, and Greater Himalayan ranges, boasting snow-clad areas more extensive than those in Switzerland, along with abundant water bodies and dense forests."
He invited investors to explore opportunities in Himachal Pradesh's hotel industry.
"We invite investors to come and invest in Himachal's hotel industry; there are no restrictions. Regarding tourism in Himachal, we are making rapid strides in enhancing airport and heliport connectivity".
"Our vision is for every visiting tourist to return home having improved their well-being by breathing the clean air of our serene valleys," he said.
Sukhu said that Hindu culture in the state was "rooted in compassion, kindness".
"Our Hindu culture is rooted in compassion and kindness; consequently, people of all ages, whether Gen Z, middle-aged, or elderly, believe in our faith..."
The Chief Minister said the state was promoting experiential tourism, caravan tourism and weekend tourism to enable visitors to explore unexplored areas and experience local culture, traditions and ways of life.
"The government is also preparing a 'She Travel' Policy aimed at establishing Himachal Pradesh as a safe and welcoming destination for women travellers, while promoting women-led tourism entrepreneurship through homestays, local food enterprises, handicrafts, local products and tourism start-ups," a release said.
On tourism infrastructure, Sukhu said the process for expansion of Kangra Airport had been initiated, along with a vision to develop an Aerocity in its vicinity, it added.
"Kangra is also being developed as the state's 'Tourism Capital', while the government has decided to develop heliports at or around every district headquarters to strengthen connectivity and support disaster management, emergency medical services and access to remote areas," it added.
"The state government is also promoting sustainable and responsible tourism, with a focus on preserving Himachal Pradesh's cultural, social and environmental heritage. To promote rural tourism, the state has introduced a homestay scheme and implemented the Homestay Rules, 2025, providing local communities opportunities for self-employment and allowing tourists to experience the lifestyle of Himachal's villages," it added.
Sukhu said Himachal Pradesh has potential for adventure tourism, including trekking, skiing, paragliding, river rafting, mountaineering, camping, mountain cycling and water sports.
He also highlighted religious and spiritual tourism, with Shakti Peeths, historic temples, Buddhist monasteries and Gurudwaras attracting visitors from across India and abroad.
According to the Chief Minister, Himachal Pradesh received 3.11 crore tourists from January to December 2025, including 1.66 crore religious tourists. In 2026, up to July, 1.06 crore tourists had visited the state. He called upon the hotel and hospitality industry, travel agents, tour operators and other stakeholders to partner with the state government in exploring Himachal Pradesh's tourism potential.
Sukhu also paid obeisance at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi and offered prayers for the peace, prosperity and well-being of the people of Himachal Pradesh. (ANI)
Himachal CM Sukhu attends FHRAI annual convention in Varanasi, pitches for investment
